Former NBA coach loses his mind in viral live on-air meltdown

A barely-believable on-air outburst took the internet by storm with viewers stunned as to what was unfolding in front of their eyes.

Basketball fans were left squirming as one of the most awkward interactions on live television unfolded in front of their eyes.

NBA TV host Chris Miles came under fire from former NBA player and coach Sam Mitchell in a wild on-air meltdown.

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Miles had initially asked Mitchell about Steve Kerr not receiving a gold medal at the Olympics during the summer.

The Golden State Warriors coach led the USA men’s basketball team to glory in Paris earlier this year.

Mitchell responded by joking: “I guess it just tells you (in) international (play) how they value coaches - not at all.”

However, the former Toronto Raptors head coach was then on the receiving end from a little clip by Miles.

“I’m surprised coaches get a pay check for this show. Maybe you should do this pro-bono, my friend,” he said.

The jibe wasn’t well received and prompted Mitchell to launch into a fiery outburst as he hit back by claiming his salary was “pretty close” to pro-bono.

He also accused Miles of “bragging” about his money and threatened to reveal his home address.

The awkward moment went viral.

“Last time I looked at my check, it’s pretty close,” Mitchell hit back. “I’m taking donations. Won’t you come up on some of that money you got since you over there bragging about it?”

“I’m sorry, did you rent your beach house out down in Florida during the Hurricane?

“Do I need to go on and on about your town house over at Buckhead (in Atlanta)? You wanna call me out? I mean, come on … you screaming broke and hungry let’s just see it.

“I know what you have and where you live, young fellow.”

Miles sheepishly called Mitchell a “snitch”, only for him to quip back that he was in fact a “truth teller”.

Finishing his outburst, he said: “You gotta stop messing with me on national TV … Do I need to give out the address? Because you’re not at home right now.”

Mitchell clearly wasn’t finished as he later went out to read out an address as Miles attempted to throw to a break.

Chris attempted to laugh it off.

Sam was not playing around.

The awkward interaction quickly whipped around social media with fans in disbelief over the outburst they had just witnessed.

One fan wrote on X: “Sam Mitchell, who was once named Coach of the Year and got fired that same year, crashes out on live television, threatening to leak his co hosts address on national tv. Absolutely insane.”

A second added: “One of the most awkward sequences you’ll ever see on live TV. Sam Mitchell does not take kindly to being the butt of a joke related to his salary and doesn’t hold back.”

A third wrote: “Sam Mitchell’s pay check about to be $0 after this.”

Mitchell (middle) during the 2022 NBA Playoffs. (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

Mitchell had a 17-year playing career before he turned to coaching and then ultimately becoming an analyst.

During that time, he had spells with both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Indian Pacers.

He won the NBA’s Coach of the Year Award in 2007 after leading the Toronto Raptors to their first playoff berth in five years.

After signing a four-year contract with the team, Mitchell was relieved of his duties after less than one season.

He could potentially find himself in search of a new role after his viral meltdown ahead of the 2024/25 NBA season.

Originally published as Former NBA coach loses his mind in viral live on-air meltdown